Sponsor Licence

UK Sponsorship Licence

The UK Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence (formerly the Tier 2 Sponsor Licence) allows UK businesses to hire highly skilled professionals from around the globe. This licence, overseen by the UK Home Office, is essential for any employer seeking to access international talent and fill roles that meet specific skill and salary requirements.

To recruit skilled workers from overseas, your business must hold a valid Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. This licence enable you to hire for positions that meet the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 or higher.

While the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence application process can be a barrier, our immigration solicitors can guide you through every step of the process, from assessing your eligibility and preparing your application to liaising with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on your behalf.

uk sponsor licence (previously known as tier 2 sponsor licence) allows employers to hire skilled workers from outside the uk.

Sponsor Licence Application Services

Our specialist immigration solicitors are experts in preparing comprehensive sponsor licence applications, ensuring your business meets all Home Office requirements for employing overseas workers.

  • Free Initial Eligibility Assessment
  • Flexible Services (In-person, Phone, Virtual)
  • Complete Application Preparation, Review, and Submission
  • Compliance and Record-Keeping Support
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Licence Management Assistance

We provide end-to-end support to help you navigate the sponsor licence process and ensure your business is compliant with UK immigration rules.

How can we help you with your Sponsor Licence Application?

Our highly experienced Business Immigration Solicitors will meticulously prepare and submit all the necessary paperwork and advise you on the necessary requirements to apply for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.

We will assess your eligibility and consider all the relevant circumstances to ensure that you are compliant with Home Office requirements. We provide expert advice on procedures required to meet the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. Our solicitors will assist you with the Home Office audit visits and in maintaining an adequate HR system for your business.

 

FAQ: Sponsor Licence Applications

A Sponsor Licence allows UK-based organisations to legally hire skilled workers from overseas, enabling them to sponsor individuals for visas under the UK’s immigration system. It is a critical requirement for companies wishing to recruit talent from outside the UK through routes such as the Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility visas.

Once approved, a sponsor licence is valid for 4 years, after which it can be renewed, provided the organisation continues to meet all compliance requirements.

A Sponsor Licence is valid for 4 years from the date it is granted by the Home Office. During this period, the sponsoring organisation must comply with all legal obligations and duties to maintain its licence.

At the end of the 4-year period, the sponsor licence can be renewed if the organisation continues to meet the necessary compliance requirements. The renewal process should be initiated before the licence expires to avoid any disruption in the ability to sponsor new workers or retain existing sponsored employees.

Failure to renew the licence on time or to maintain compliance with sponsor duties can result in the licence being downgraded, suspended, or revoked.

The cost of applying for a sponsor licence in the UK depends on the size of your organisation and the type of licence you need. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

For Medium and Large Businesses:

  • Skilled Worker Licence: £1,476
  • Temporary Worker Licence: £536
  • Skilled Worker & Temporary Worker Licence: £1,476
  • Adding a Temporary Worker Licence to an existing Skilled Worker Licence: No fee
  • Adding a Skilled Worker Licence to an existing Temporary Worker Licence: £940

For Small Businesses and Charitable Organisations:

  • Skilled Worker Licence: £536
  • Temporary Worker Licence: £536
  • Skilled Worker & Temporary Worker Licence: £536
  • Adding a Temporary Worker Licence to an existing Skilled Worker Licence: No fee
  • Adding a Skilled Worker Licence to an existing Temporary Worker Licence: No fee

Additional Costs:

  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fees: £239 for each worker under most routes, and £25 for Temporary Worker routes.
  • Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): For medium or large sponsors, the ISC is £1,000 per year for the first 12 months, plus £500 for every additional 6 months. For small businesses and charities, the charge is £364 for the first 12 months and £182 for every additional 6 months.

These fees are designed to reflect the size and resources of the business, helping smaller organisations access overseas talent at a reduced cost.

The standard processing time for a sponsor licence application is up to 8 weeks. In some cases, a compliance visit may be required, which could extend the processing time. Employers can pay an additional £500 for the priority service, which aims to provide a decision within 10 working days, subject to availability.

Yes, your sponsor licence can be revoked by the Home Office if you fail to meet your obligations as a sponsor. Holding a sponsor licence is considered a privilege, and strict compliance with immigration laws and sponsorship duties is required. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities could result in serious penalties, including:

  • Suspension: Your licence may be temporarily suspended if the Home Office suspects non-compliance or if an investigation is required.

  • Downgrading: Your licence can be downgraded from an A-rating to a B-rating if you are found to be in breach of sponsorship duties. This may limit your ability to issue new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) until compliance improvements are made.

  • Revocation: In cases of severe or repeated breaches, your sponsor licence may be revoked, meaning you would lose the ability to sponsor workers, and any current sponsored employees may have their visas curtailed, potentially leading to their removal from the UK.

Common Reasons for Licence Revocation:

  • Failing to keep accurate and up-to-date records of sponsored workers.
  • Not reporting significant changes, such as sponsored employees not turning up for work or changes in business structure.
  • Employing workers who do not meet visa or work eligibility requirements.
  • Breaching immigration law or other legal obligations, such as employing workers illegally.

Maintaining compliance is essential to avoid these penalties, and regular internal audits of your HR and immigration processes are recommended to ensure adherence to Home Office requirements.

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